REACH 2021 will take on a truly global feel as the annual evangelism conference expands to become the REACH Evangelism & Missions Conference.
Rob Patterson
Recognizing that the Kentucky Baptist Convention was created by churches, for churches, to help churches REACH Kentucky and the world for Christ, the Evangelism and Missions Mobilization teams are collaborating to provide amazing opportunities for Kentucky Baptists to be encouraged and equipped to “Answer the Call” locally and globally.
Such opportunities begin on Monday afternoon, March 15, before the conference formally opens. Those traveling to Bowling Green from across the state for an event like REACH are obviously looking forward to great evangelistic preaching and equipping, but they are also passionate about being involved in evangelism and doing missions. Therefore, three Pre-REACH Missional Experiences are available from 1:30-4 p.m.
Kentucky Baptists can come alongside the Warren Association of Baptists in its Gospel to Every Home efforts by gathering at the WAB offices for a brief time of evangelistic training and then mobilizing for front door evangelism in a targeted area nearby.
A second option is prayer walking and conducting spiritual surveys on the campus of Western Kentucky University. Receive orientation and equipping from your regional campus ministers at the WKU Baptist Campus Ministry building and then mobilize to help get the Gospel to Every Dorm Room.
A third option will be learning how to share the gospel with refugee populations through a Refugee Loss Simulation and Prayer Walk, hosted by Living Hope Baptist Church.
Sufficient time is allowed to check into the hotel, clean up and grab a bite before the first plenary session begins at 6 p.m. Even as Kentucky Baptists arrive on the campus of host church Hillvue Heights, they will be struck by the many opportunities the Cooperative Program provides for answering the call. Disaster Relief trailers will be set up throughout the parking lot, allowing people to become familiar with DR and how they can become involved.
Hillvue’s facilities provide the space and resources needed for providing an amazing environment, even while maintaining social distancing and observing appropriate protocols. Steve Ayers and the Hillvue family joyfully embraced the complexities of hosting an event of this scope, having learned firsthand that the Lord is using this pandemic to open many unique doors for the gospel. Co-lead pastor Jamie Ward said, “Hosting REACH is an easy yes” because of the personal value he has found in the event for many years.
The 2021 conference is built upon the confidence that God is opening doors and inviting us to join Him. Each plenary session features phenomenal local and national speakers challenging Kentucky Baptists to hear and “Answer the Call.”
More than a dozen breakouts and a special ministry track for women are designed to provide equipping and practical resources.
The event culminates in a commissioning of those who have been encouraged and equipped to join God in fulfilling His Great Commission wherever He is calling them.
You can learn more or register for the REACH Evangelism & Missions Conference at www.kybaptist.org/reach or by contacting me directly at rob.patterson@kybaptist.org or 606-765-9176.
Rob Patterson is evangelism team leader for the Kentucky Baptist Convention
Rob Patterson